VALK'S Klemayn Plains Battlefield

[Valkyrie]

The already assembled Archangels appear in a flash of light near the ruins of the east tower. Far to the west the ruins of the Western Tower rise slightly above the recoverying landscape.

[Valkyrie]

Jareth lands on the side of the plains most opposite to the gathered Elemental Archangels.
"Earth, Fire, and Time," Valkyrie observes. "Is that all they have gathered? I must give credit to my associates for keeping them apart this long."
Valkyrie yells across the open plains, his voice booming.
"If you wish to live, then leave now. If you choose to stay I will scatter your ashes to the four winds!"

Across the plains Gray, Sayla and Munch-Munch hear the booming voice of Valkyrie.
"He's here!" Munch-Munch yells in a near paniced state.
"Calm yourself, young one," Sayla soothes. "He may be powerful but only a fool attacks alone."
"That would be why he brought his dragon. Or did you miss the massive beast sitting on the other side of the plains."
"I will handle the dragon. You two take Valkyrie. I will join you once the dragon is taken care of."
Gray draws his ax and summons all the power and courage he can muster.
"I hope you know what your doing."

[Valkyrie]

"Idiots. Jareth, take care of that elf. I will handle the other two."
With the sound of crunching bone Valkyrie's metal wings extend from his back. With a quick flap he takes to the air. The 5000 plus year old gold dragon lets out a deafening roar in Sayla's direction before walking slowing toward her, stalking her.

Across the plains the dragon's roar shakes Munch-Munch to her very core. Even Gray stops for a second. Sayla however is unshaken. She starts walking and puts her hands together, they glow a light blue for a moment and everything around them seems to slow down.
"Time Warp!" Sayla yells as she draws her longbow and lets loose a series of arrows at Jareth. After sending a dozen arrows at the dragon she draws her daggers and runs full speed toward the dragon.
"Golem!" Gray says as the ground behind him begins to tremble and crack. Out of the ground emerges a giant stone golem. It lets out a mighty groan and runs toward Valkyrie followed by Gray.

Munch-Munch looks across the field at the advancing dragon then up at the metal winged Valkyrie and panics. She turns to run but finds Gaia standing in front of her.
"Why are you running? Do you not have faith in your abilities?"
"I do, I just don't think they are a match for his."
"My dear, dear child. Don't you know you have full access to my power? You do think I am a match for him, don't you?"
"Of course I do, Lady Gaia!"
"Then why don't you show him what we can do together."
Lady Gaia fades from view and Munch-Munch turns to see Valkyrie slowing trying to battle the golem. Munch-Munch gathers as much energy as she can and points her palms toward Valkyrie.
"Flare Arrow!!"

[Valkyrie]

Valkyrie realized he and Jareth were in a Time Warp spell but it would wear off soon enough. Even the Archangel of Time could not keep up the concentration for the spell for long. With a quick slice with his Saintsword the Golem is shattered to pieces. As the pieces fall the quick dwarf jumps through the remains with his Ax aimed straight at Valkyrie's head. With enhanced reflexes and speed that threatens to break the sound barrier his sword blocks the incoming ax with a clash. Moments later Munch-Munch's Flare Arrow streaks within inches of Valkyrie's chest. With one thought he activates his Ring of Transportation and appears behind Gray. With one smooth motion he brings his sword through the air toward his midsection but hits only air as Gray has already jumped and is preparing for another vertical attack.

[Valkyrie]

((OOC: Because I hate to see a good thing die, and I have time on my hands at the moment...))

Beacause of the Time Warp spell, Sayla's attention is indeed split. Jareth uses this opportunity to let out a blast of fire in Sayla's direction. She barely manages to dodge the main blast and only singes the tails of her long coat. As she does a back flip in the air she sends one of her daggers at the dragon's head with blinding speed. Unable to quickly dodge in his current form, Jareth instantly changes to his human form and sends a wave of freezing air at Sayla, the sudden chill, knocking her from the sky.

Valkyrie retracts his attack and falls, rolling to the side to dodge Gray's attack. As he rolls he sends a razor sharp feather at Munch-Munch. She dodges to the left but the feather catches her right arm, cutting it deep. The pain causes her to stumble and fall, grabbing her arm and preventing her from catching herself. She hits the ground hard. Valkyrie gets up from his dodging roll to find Gray once again coming at him with his ax. As the ax comes down, Sayla is hit by Jareth's freezing wind spell stopping the time warp, giving Valkyrie enough time to parry the ax with his sword. His Atlas Ring glows bright as he pushes against the ax, throwing Gray backward toward the fallen Munch-Munch.
"If you give up now, I might consider letting you live," Valkyrie says.
"I would rather die a thousand deaths than surrender to you!" Gray shouts back.
"Very well, but don't expect me to hold anything back," Valkyrie replies. "Sword of Dark Fire!"
His Saintsword glows a bright, firey red for a moment then turns in a blazing black flame which burns wickedly.
"I'll make this quick..."
Gray watches Valkyrie's movements carefully then nearly screams out in pain as something stabs him in the back. He looks where Valkyrie was but sees no one. As he falls forward he turns to see Valkyrie poised with his sword drawn. Blood boils from the blade creating an awful stench. Gray's vision gets blurry then goes dark as he hits the ground.
"I'm sorry...my lady...I-(gurgle)"
His voice is cut short as Valkyrie drives his sword into Gray's throat. With the Archangel of Earth out of the picture, Valkyrie turns toward the fallen Munch-Munch.
"I have half a mind to kill you this very instant. But doing so would not be benefical to me at this junction."
He walks over to Munch-Munch who casts a fireball at him. The spell explodes with firey vengence setting the surrounding land on fire.

Jareth, noticing the Time Warp spell has worn off, runs toward the falling Sayla, transforming back into his dragon form, and grabs her with his talons. One quick sqeeze and both of her arms snap like toothpicks. A look of pain shoots across her face but she remains silent. Jarth laughs and slams her against the ground, forcing the wind from her lungs and snapping several ribs. As her breath escapes, drops of blood start running down her mouth. He last thought before the darkness of unconsciousness takes her is, "Forgive me."

As the flames die down, Valkyrie emerges , the Seraphim of Fire hovering over him like a guardian.
"That hurt you realize."
He reaches down and grabs her by the throat, lifting her to her feet.
"It's only because of Mamoru that I plan to keep you alive."
With his free hand he grabs her wounded arm and squeezes, elicting yelps of pain from the injured Katta.
"If you resist, I will show you pain like you have never imagined."
Munch-Munch simply nods. Valkyrie looks over to Jareth who has Sayla pinned under his giant hand.
"Come, Jareth. We are finished with these fools."
"Indeed we are."
Valkyrie pulls Munch-Munch along by her wounded arm toward Jareth. After mounting up, Jareth takes off toward the Temple of Destruction.

[Valkyrie]

As Jareth flys back toward the Temple of Destruction, the armies of Valkyrie emerge from the forest and take up their positons on one side of the plains. Far across the plains the forces of Gatomon and Xavon emerge from the forests. They meet up and form up into a semi organized structure.

Xavon and Gatomon meet at the head of the formation.
"We are outnumbered from the looks of it," Xavon comments.
"Yes, but numbers are not everything," Gatomon replies.
They stand there for a moment and look out across the plains toward the massive army gathered against them.
"Slightly reminds me of the First Great War," Xavon notices.
"I just wish it goes better than the last battle of that war."

Damean appears at the front of the gathered armes of Kardis and Rinous.
"This is almost too easy. I hope they put up a good fight, I'd hate to win too easily."

[Valkyrie]

Mamoru arrives on the field with Jason in tow and lands in front of Xavon and Gatomon.
"Welcome to the fight of the ages," Xavon says.
"Where are they?" Mamoru demands.
"Where are who? You have to be a little more specific these days," Xavon jokes.
"The other Archangels, Sayla, Gray, and Munch-Munch."
"Oh... Gray, as i'm sure you felt, is gone. Sayla is severely wounded. And Munch-Munch...is missing. From what we could gather from Sayla before she slipped back lost consciousness again, Valkyrie took her and he had the help of a dragon, a Gold Dragon."
Mamoru turns to go but is stopped by Gatomon's hand on his shoulder.
"Don't go. You know it has to be a trap."
"Yes, I know. But I have to go, I can't leave her alone."
"Be careful," Xavon says. "He's expecting you, so he'll be prepared for anything."
"Thanks."
Mamoru pulls away from Gatomon and takes a few steps before flying off toward Valkyrie's Temple.

Across the plains, Damean looks up as Mamoru flys overhead. He lets out a short laugh.
"Not even Gaia can protect you from what he has in store for you."
He turns to his army, "Move out!"
As the command is carried to the commanders and group leaders the massive army begins to move. Numerous magic spells are cast to improve the soldiers. Even a few Snipe spells are sent out from positions high in the surrounding trees.

Back across the expanse of land Xavon and Gatomon cast a protective shell around themselves and those around them. Other enchantment spells are cast as well from the many mages in the group.
"Move it!" Xavon orders.
The massive army starts to move for the greatest battle of the age.

[Valkyrie]

The battle had been raging for hours with neither side being able to claim a legitimate lead. Soldiers fought and died and more soldiers came to fill the gap. Xavon and Gatomon as well as the surviving Elemental Archangels hang back for now, waiting for the percise moment to strike. Mamoru soars overhead with Munch-Munch and they land next to Xavon.
"Valkyrie has gone crazy. He plans to make war with the gods themselves. He wants to create a new world free of the gods influence."
"Then this is only the beginning," Xavon comments. "He plans on drawing the gods themselves into the battle. Already he has defeated Kardis and Rinous. We need more help."
At that moment, Takeru and Kaze appear over the trees and bank toward Xavon's location. They land and let off their passengers.
"Good, you have found the Archangel of Light. I was beginning to worry."
"She was being shrouded in darkness you could say."
"Indeed, and who is this powerful ally you have brought?" Xavon asks, gesturing to Ryvane.
"My name is Ryvane Darkslayer, son of Getran Darkslayer. My father once bore the title of Mage Knight of Light."
"Darkslayer? Then you surely must know of the Shadowmires."
"Yes, the last of the Shadowmire Clan attempted to kill me several years ago on Katta Isle but he finally saw the light."
"I'm sure he did. We welcome both you and your daughter. We need all the help we can get."

[Valkyrie]

Xavon surveys the battle field once more then turns to the assembled.
"Gatomon and I will reinforce the center. Mamoru, you and Munch-Munch support the left flank. Jason, Ryvane, and Keiji will backup the right flank."
Having assigned the main defenders, Xavon turns to the others.
"Leneth, you take your group and head up between Mamoru and I. Takeru and Kaze, I need you in dragon form taking out those snipers on the far side of the field.
"This is it! This is the time to show no fear. To put to the ultimate test all of your training and expirence. To kill or be killed. Show no mercy for they will show none to us. This war will determine the fate of the world. Go now! May the Gods protect us all!"
Xavon turns toward the fight and draws his sword. Gatomon's eyes glow green with Basts power and she extends her hybrid form's claws.
"Side by side again it seems," Gatomon says before heading towrad the fight.
"Indeed, may we live to see another day together."

Munch-Munch, still slightly worried from her last encounter follows slightly behind Mamoru. He watches the fight carefully but speaks to her.
"You must have faith in your abilities. The fight between you and Valkyrie was lopsided and a fluke. You will find these men a lot easier to defeat."
The dust and debris swirls around Mamoru as he extends his energy shield. He then draws his Tribulation Sword, which glows a bright green.
"You're right, Mamoru. I must have faith."
Munch-Munch stops and Mamoru turns to check on her.
"Years ago when I was forced to fight you, I unleashed a power that I had faith in."
Mamoru visibly winces, remembering that day.
"If these past seven years have taught me anything, its that faith in yourself is the most important thing you can have. I'm sorry but I will not be fighting by your side this day."
Mamoru turns back to the battle and nods.
"I know. Physical combat is not your speciality anyway. Show them what the Archangel of Fire can do and may Gaia watch over and protect you."
Mamoru feels a blast of heat and turns to see Munch-Munch hovering in the middle of a large phoenix.
"Zyst? But that means--"
"Don't worry, my love. The only ones that will turned to ash this day are those that oppose me. Take care!"
With the scream of a hawk the phoenix takes to the sky and soars toward the battlefield. Mamoru turns toward the battle and charges.

"Are you sure I'm ready for this, father?" Keiji asks. "I've never recieved any training."
"Yes, the spirit of Sandalphon lives inside you. Draw on his power and the power of your ancestry. Katta were once feared fighters unrivaled in their abilities. Able to defeat nearly anyone in hand to hand combat. Concentrate."
Ryvane and Keiji wait at the top while Jason heads toward the right flank. Keiji thinks back to her childhood and her "imaginary" friend, "Sandy". She never told anyone about her. But looking back now and all the things she did to protect her she realizes the truth. She was him. She was Sandalphon, always watching over her, always protecting her, guiding her. Even when she was held by Alucard he protected her. Kept his mind influencing powers at bay. Her vision flashes white and she finds herself standing in a white room. Light seems to come from everywhere at once. A voice speaks to her, his voice.
"Hello again, Keiji. I thought you had forgotten me for a while there."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Would you have believed me?"
"I might have."
"You are not yet ready for this fight. Even Munch-Munch was too young and she was twice your age when she started her training."
"Then what are we going to do?"
"While you may not be ready. I am...We are. Before now it has always been You and Me, two seperate people. Only when the 'we' becomes I will a true archangel be born."
Sandalphon points to a view of the outside. The burning Phoenix of Munch-Munch soars through the air blasting those below will fireballs.
"She has realized her power but has not accepted it into herself, has not yet made the 'We' an I."
"What do I have to do."
"You have to accept what you are. You are the Archangel of Light, not just a vessel with my spirit inside you. For thousands of years I have been waiting for that to happen. Everyone sees me as a source of power to be drawn upon. But they fail to realize that they only draw upon themselves. If they can realize that, they will be more powerful than they thought possible. However..."
"What? Is something wrong?"
"There is a downside. One I hesitate to mention but one you have to realize before you make this choice. If we merge and become one you will change, you will no longer be a seven year old katta. Your childhood will be gone, and you can never go back. You will know what to do...."
His voice fades out and Keiji's vision clears and she finds herself staring at her father.
"Are you ok, Keiji? It looked like you spaced out there for a moment."
She hugs her father then looks into his eyes.
"I know how much you missed me. And I know how much you looked forward to watching me grow up into a woman, but I am not just a child with an old spirit inside me. I am that spirit, I am the Archangel of Light."
As she says that she glows bighter and brighter catching everyones attention who is nearby. Even some of the soldiers take a moment to see what is going on. As the light becomes blinding, Ryvane shields his eyes and has to turn away only to find no solace from the light. The light dies down and he turns to see his daughter no longer a young girl but a beautiful katta, strong and powerful. Pride swells within him as he sees the three pairs of beautiful white wings spring from her back.
"Father, you believed in me long before I believed in myself. As the Archangel of Light, I dub you Mage Knight of Gaia and bestow upon you full use of my power."
Ryvane kneels before Keiji, "I feel unworthy to be called your father."
Keiji pulls Ryvane back to his feet, "Despite what I am, you will always be my father. Just don't expect me to follow all your rules anymore." She smiles and turns toward the fight. "Come we have a fight to win."
Ryvane draws his twin holy swords, which seem to glow extra bright. "Indeed we do."
Ryvane charges toward the battle while Keiji speeds alongside him. As they reach the battle, Keiji's wings disappear in a flurry of feathers and she transforms into a katta, tiger hybrid with snow white fur and sharp claws. The first person she hits goes limp with one hit and falls backward into his squad mates, unconscious. As she continues to fight a small shockwave of spirit energy begins to appear each time she hits someone causing those around her to recoil in pain. With continued fighting the shockwaves become stronger with each hit to one person causing dozens to fall.

Xavon pulls his sword back after impaling it through a soldiers throat and turns to the source of power that he senses a few moments ago. Over on the right flank a being of light wades through the battle almost effortlessly. Xavon turns quickly and catches an unsuspecting soldier in the throat with the pommel of his sword.
"Is that Sandalphon? I didnt think that was possible."
He turns back to the fight and resolves to find out what happened over there.

[Valkyrie]

Takeru spots another sniper in the trees and swoops down. With one quick motion the mage finds itself in the talons of a dragon. Takeru crushes the mage then throws the lifeless body back to the ground. Before searching for another target.
Kaze searches the tree line and spots another sniper mage. He points his taloned hand at the mage who is immediatly struck by lightning. The now lifeless mage slips off his branch and falls to the floor, hitting several branches on the way down.
The Phoenix of Fire dives toward the field of battle and picks up two particularly nasty soldiers that were causing trouble for the forces of Bast. They instantly are set on fire and scream in agony. Munch-Munch then sends her new fireballs back at the ground setting several others ablaze.
The forces of Kardis, now Damean, find Mamoru to be a difficult opponent indeed. None of their attacks seem effective and the tribulation sword cuts through flesh as if it wasnt there.
As the others press the attack, the forces of Damean begin to buckle, their flanks collapse and begin to be surrounded. The roar of four dragons resounds over the plains and above the clamor of battle. They turn to see a gold, a black, a white, and a space dragon flying overhead. This gives the soldiers a renewed vigor and they fight back stronger than before. Pushing their flanks out and evening the balance.
Up in the sky Valkyrie and the others survey the field of battle.
"It seems you underestimated that young katta, Alucard," Valkyrie states.
"So it seems, I guess I should go take care of things."
Alucard and Raa'haren head down toward the Archangel of Light.
"And i'm sure you will have no problem dealing with the Nakama family, right Marcus?"
"No problem at all, Valkyrie." Marcus and Sheridan dive toward the phoenix of fire.
"Are you ready for this Cla'Daren? Gatomon and Xavon are our targets. I have to know I can trust you. I dont want Xavon attacking me from behind whlie i'm fighting Gatomon."
"You can trust me, Valkyrie. I've come this far, I can't turn back now."
"Indeed you can't," Valkyrie then addreses Jareth. "There are a pair of annoying dragons flying around. Do you think you could take care of them for me?"
"That I can, Lord Valkyrie. That I can."
Valkyrie extends his wings and catches air as Jareth dives beneath him then banks toward Kaze.
"Come Cla'Daren, our destiny awaits."
Valkyrie locates Gatomon then begins his dive. Cla'Daren and Blizzard spot Xavon and head down to land.
Ryvane kicks a soldier off the end of his swords and looks up to see a black dragon diving straight at Keiji.
"Keiji, look out!"
She looks up just in time to be knocked backwards by the impact. After crashing through several soldiers both living and dead, she finally comes to rest against a fallen priestess of Bast. Ryvane directs his attention at Alucard, who turns to face the new Mage Knight.
"Ah, Ryvane Darkslayer, son of Getran Darkslayer, the most famous Mage Knight of Light. How does it feel to be following in your father's foot steps?"
"How do you know so much about me?"
"Surely you must know that the Archangel of Darkness would know about his enemies."
"Then you must know that I know all about you, Alucard. I know all about your regenerative abilities, your guns and your hellhound."
Alucard dismounts Raa'haren who starts fighting the soliders of bast.
"I give you credit for doing your homework, but then why are you here? Shouldn't you be running away and hiding somewhere?"
"I would only do that if I thought I didnt have a chance of winning. Spirit Surge!"
Ryvane glows white for a moment as Light energy powers up his attacks and swords.
"Don't make me laugh," Alucard says as he casts a Lunar Wall around himself.
Ryvane rushes Alucard and swings his swords across his midsection. The barrier does nothing against the swords as they pass straight through the sheild, Alucard's arm, cloak, stomach, and back out the other side.
"Well that was unexpected," Alucard says as his regnerative abilities kick in and start mending his body back together. He bends down and retrieves his hand, reattaching it to his arm.

Across the field, Keiji wakes up to see a priestess of bast casting a healing spell on her. As she stirs the priestess smiles for a moment before being impaled on a spear. Her now lifeless body falls on Keiji. She carefully moves the priestess off her and to the side.
"Your sacrafice will be remembered."
As she stands the soldier from before tries to spear her as well but a quick slash with her hybrid claws shatters the spear. Another slash the soldier finds his entrails scattered on the ground. Keiji looks back to where Alucard and Ryvane are and starts running toward the battle.

Alucard draws his Casull and points it at Ryvane who holds his swords in a defensive manner.
"I hate to end this so quickly but I have a matter to attend to."
Alucard pulls the trigger and the 13mm bullet rips from the gun, shatters both of Ryvane's swords of light and tears through his chest, leaving a massive exit wound. Ryvane stumbles back a few steps then falls.
"NOOO!!!!!" Keiji screams.
Alucard turns just in time to see the hybrid's jaws clamp down on his gun hand. The unexpected and unbareable pain is too much and he loses his grip on the gun. He bashes Keiji in the head with his free hand who looses her grip just enough for Alucard to pull his hand free. Alucard attempts to regenerate his wounded hand and finds that he can't. The bite from the Archangel of Light is counteracting his ability!
"You're making me angry!" Alucard flashes a deep purple then the area goes dark. When the light returns Alucard has morphed into a deamon hybrid. Sinister wings sprout from his back.
"No one in hundreds of years has seen this form before. You should be honored."
"You should be scared. No for the rest of eternity will ever see that form again!"
Keiji jumps in and slashes Alucard across his left arm which goes numb momentarily.
"Did I anger the kitty by killing her father?"
Keiji slashes again but misses his midsection.
"I will kill you this day, Alucard!"

In the sky above the fight, Marcus and Sheridan are engaged in an aerial battle with Munch-Munch's phoenix. The flames lick at Sheridan's scales but fail to do any damage to the Space Dragon. When the opportunity arises, Marcus jumps from Sheridan's back and into the heart of the phoenix. He grabs Munch-Munch who loses her concentration on the bird and they both begin to plummet to the ground.
"Do you have a fear of dying?" Marcus asks as Munch-Munch struggles to break free of his grasp.
"I don't," he says camly. "Death is something I've learned to embrace. After 2500 years of pain I find death to be a welcome release from it all."
"Perhaps today you will get your wish!" Munch-Munch says as flames engulf them both.
"Yes! Feel the pain! It lets me know i'm alive! It's too bad you wont live to see my final demise!"
Marcus positions their fall so Munch-Munch can see the fast approaching ground.
"Can you taste it? The fear the builds in the back of your throat so thick you can't even speak?"
Munch-Munch is silent as the fear grips her but then bursts out with the only words she can think of.
"Mamoru help me!"
"He can't save you! NO ONE CAN!"
Marcus pulls out one of his short swords and stabs it straight through Munch-Munch's back. A gurgle of blood pours from her mouth as the blade punctures a lung.

"Mamoru help me!"
Mamoru turns toward the source of the sound and spots Munch-Munch and Marcus falling from the sky. Using his energy wings he takes off with enough force to knock everyone within a dozen meters backward. He angles his flight to intercept the falling pair. As he approaches, he sees Alucard stab Munch-Munch in the back. When he reaches them he pearches on Marcus' back and punches him hard in the kidney, then hits him in the neck. Marcus loses his grip on Munch-Munch and begins to lose control of his fall, Mamoru grabs Munch-Munch and levels out, stopping their decent. He watches Marcus fall. As he reaches the ground, Marcus disappears into one of the shadows.
"Mamoru..." Munch-Munch manages though coughs full of blood.
"Don't talk, you'll only make it worse."
"Take care of--(cough)--Miranda."
"I will."
"Looks like I was...wrong about...the ash."
As she says that fire surrounds them both, but Mamoru feels no pain. He lets her go and she floats in front of him surrounded by the flames of the phoenix.
"Goodbye...my love."
The fires become more and more intense, hiding Munch-Munch from view. Then the flames arubtly die, leaving nothing but ash behind.
Mamoru floats there silent for a moment. Then he hears him...Marcus.
"Just like a phoenix to die in brilliant fireball," Marcus taunts.
Mamoru turns toward Marcus who stands on the ground below him. Drawing his sword, Mamoru dives.

[Valkyrie]

Valkyrie lands in front of Gatomon gaining her full attention. She steps back, claws ready and snarls.
"Why are you doing this?"
"Revenge, of course," Valkyrie states. "Isn't that what all wars are about?"
"What do you have against the gods?" Gatomon asks, watching Valkyrie carefully.
"You should already know the answer to that question, shouldn't you Gatomon?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Oh, but you do. It may not be at the front of your mind but deep down there's a tiny forgotten memory from a time long ago, back when you were still a student at the temple of Bast."
Valkyrie pauses a moment for Gatomon to think about it.
"They have stricken his name from the history books, robbed him of everything he had, and threatened death to any who dare utter his name, but the man still lived, still bled, and still cried when his true love was stolen from him. Do you remember now, or shall I continue?"
Gatomon remains silent as the memory begins to surface. Valkyrie sees it reflected in her face.
"Where would you go if you were thrown out of your school, your home, your life? That man wandered for years with no name, only known as a drifter. Until, that is, he came to a temple and a High Priest who didn't care about the man's past, and treated him like a person. The man took on a new name and a new purpose. For years he trained and learned all he could, until he finally bested the High Priest in combat and took on his role. After that he had only to wait for the proper time. That time is now. Behold, the man whose life your goddess destroyed, the man who swore to exact revenge for the death of his love, the man who, this day, will end the incessant meddeling of the gods."
Gatomon now fully realizes who Valkyrie is and takes a step back.
"You're insane, Valkyrie! Just like you were then. No one has the right to challenge the will of the gods. Anyone who tries ultimately destroys themselves!"
Valkyrie draws his Saintsword and speaks in an ancient language. The sword glows bright for a moment then changes to the deepest black Gatomon has ever seen. She can feel the sword draining her life force.
"For years I've waited for this moment, trained for it, and now I will enjoy every minute of it."
Valkyrie swings his sword at Gatomon's head. She ducks as quick as she can but still loses a few hairs. She feels lightheaded for a moment and barely has enough time to dodge the next strike. Seeing an opening she rushes in and slashes Valkyrie across the face. He takes a step back, covering his face with his left hand. Gatomon jumps back and waits. Valkyrie removes his hand revealing several quickly healing gashes.
"It's going to take more than that to best me, cat!"
Valkyrie casts a fireball at Gatomon's feet causing a massive explosion. He rushes into the blaze, sword ready.

Xavon seeing the fight start between Gatomon and Valkyrie turns to assist but finds his path blocked by a large dragon. Cla'Daren jumps down and faces him.
"Your fight is with me, Xavon."
"Why do you help him?" Xavon asks, readying his sword. "What could he have offered you to make all this worth it."
"Something that you will never understand. You don't know what it's like to grow up without a family."
"Does that make it right to slaughter thousands of men and women?"
"How many people have to die to set things right? How many people must suffer for peace to be sustained. Tell me, Xavon. How many have you killed? You were there, in the Second Great War. How many? Tell me, Xavon."
"It was different! They struck first."
"Did they? Or is that what they told you? You've lived your life based on one lie after another. I used to be like you, happy, without a care in the world. Till I found out the truth. Truth can be a dangerous weapon in the right hands."
Cla'Darens hands begin to glow a deep blood red. He reaches for his sword which takes on the same red glow.
"Perhaps you will learn the truth yourself this day."
Cla'Daren swings his sword leaving a radiating blast of energy in its wake. Xavon rolls to the side to avoid the blast and readies his weapon.
"Make sure you have the truth yourself and not just another person's side."
"Believe me, I know the truth."

Jareth extends his claws and dives straight for Kaze. Kaze doesnt have time to react before being snatched up in Jareth's, much larger, talons. Kaze flails about, sending lighting strikes within inches of Jareth's face.
"It pains me to have to do this, that it does. But I cannot let you interfere. Your sacrifice will remembered."
Kaze stops struggling as if a realization suddenly comes over him.
"The balance must be maintained," Kaze states.
"Even at the cost of our lives. Forgive me."
"How will it end?" Kaze asks as Jareth's talons slowly tighten around his throat.
"Same as all things end; with pain, loss, and forgiveness."
Kaze smiles for a moment before Jareth tightens his grip, snapping the smaller dragon's neck. Jareth releases Kaze and closes his eyes till he hears the dragon hit the ground below. He then opens his eyes and spots Takeru coming toward him with a vengence. Takeru releases a burst of lightning at Jareth who dodges to the side. Jareth lets out of burst of flame in Takeru's face singeing his bronze scales.
"You don't know what you're doing, Takeru, that you don't. This fight is much bigger that you, me, or Valkyrie."
"What are you talking about?"
"Can't you feel it? The winds of change are approaching. The apocalypse changes everything, that it does."
"Are you saying this a good thing?"
"No, but imagine a scale. On one side you have the forces of life, on the other, the forces of death. As long as the scale remains balanced, everyone is happy. But the scale only holds so much. Too much weight on both sides and the scale breaks. Only by removing the weight on both sides can the balance be maintained."
"Is that what this is about? That's what this whole bloody war is for? To maintain the balance?"
"That is what everything is about, that it is. All life is about balance; life and death, light and dark, fire and ice. Without the balance there would be no life."
"Why do so many have to die?! Why do MY friends have to be the ones to pay the price?! What good is the balance if there is no one left to benefit?!"
Takeru lets out a burst of lightning that strikes Jareth in the chest. The electricy arcs off his wings and horns and spikes until finally disappating.
"You are too young to understand. You don't know what life was like before all this. Very few are left that do. I am one of them. I remember the first age, the golden age. Things were much better then. Peace was easier to maintain. We looked up to the ancient dragons, those created by the Ultimate Dragon himself. Back when Bahamut was a true God of Dragons.
"You have a choice before you Takeru. You can either join us in restoring a balance that has become increasingly difficult to maintain, or you can join your ancestors the same way Kaze did. Which will it be?"

Keiji again swipes at Alucard this time catching his arm, leaving it numb and bleeding. Alucard retaliates with a Lunar Arrow. The arrow dissapates before reaching Keiji.
"Your dark magic has no effect against me, Alucard."
As Keiji moves and attacks she gains a better understanding of her powers and what she is capable of. Soon she is moving at the speed of light, dodging all of Alucard's blows and delivering massive damage to the already wounded demon. Keiji finally finds an opening and attacks, Alucard moves to block but instead finds Keiji's jaws clamped tight around his throat. He kicks and claws but his vision soon goes blurry, then dark. The last thing he hears is the sound of his own neck snapping.
Keiji holds on to Alucard's neck a few seconds more before dropping his lifeless body to the ground. She quickly turns to her father who lies bleeding on the battlefield. She rushes to his side and attempts to heal him, but it is too late. In her mind she can her him speaking.
"Do not cry, my daughter. You have fulfilled my every wish for you. I only hope that you will continue on through life with the strength and determination you have shown today. Goodbye my darling, give my love to Didi..." His voice fades into the din of the fighting around her.

Marcus sees Mamoru coming and stands with arms spread.
"Come! Show me the pain! Let me feel the rage that burns inside you!"
Mamoru readies his sword and rushes in swinging widly at Marcus. He dodges every swing with little effort.
"You disappoint me, Mamoru. I expected the ArchKnigh of Gaia to be a little more skilled."
Marcus swings his short sword, catching Mamoru in the shoulder. A trickle of blood begins to run down his arm. Marcus swings again, catch Mamoru's upper thigh. Mamoru retaliates and swings his sword straight through Marcus, but hits nothing. This makes Marcus laugh.
"You couldnt hit me if you tried!"
Mamoru takes a step back to survey the situation then swings the sword within inches of Marcus' head. The blade catches the ground and stops. A spot of blood appears on Marcus' face then begins to run down his chin. He grabs his face and screams in agony.
"Ah! The pain! Why does it burn so! What have you done?!"
Marcus looks to where the sword is stuck and sees it sticking straight into the head of his shadow. Mamoru pulls his sword from the ground and drags it across the shadow's throat. Blood pours from Marcus's throat then he goes pale and collapses in a bloody heap. Mamoru withdraws his sword and surveys the field.
Thousands of soldiers lay dead or dying. Blood covers everything. The acrid smell of blood and death stings his nostrils. He looks out across the field and sees Keiji, having defeated Alucard, holding her father's body. He turns and sees Cla'Daren squaring off with Xavon and Valkyrie having it out with Gatomon. His blood boils as he watches Valkyrie and heads off in that direction.

[Valkyrie]

Keiji releases her father and stands, wiping the tears from her eyes. She takes a quick look around and spots Cla'Daren and Xavon. She gathers her strength and quickly makes her way to them.
"You say you know the truth. So tell me, Cla'Daren, what is the truth?"
"The truth is your god is manipulating you. Your every choice, every thought has been planned by him from the beginning. You are mearly a pawn for him to use when he needs something and sacrifice when it suits him.
"If you don't believe me, then fight. If I'm wrong then you will win because I know you are a better swordsman. But if i'm right, you will lose because your god has finished with you and will sacrifice you to make room for the next best thing."
"Then it's time to put your theory to the test!"
Xavon rushes in with an powerful overhead strike. The sword clashes with metal as Cla'Daren quickly blocks the attack. In one swift motion, Cla'Daren disengages his sword, dodges to the side and sticks his sword in Xavon's side, eliciting a grunt of pain. Cla'Daren pushes the sword in to the hilt causing the tip to protude from the other side. He withdraws his sword and kicks Xavon to the ground. Xavon lands hard on his left side and immediately tries to heal himself.
"Do you believe me now, Xavon?" Cla'Daren asks as he readies his sword for the kill.

Valkyrie emerges from the fireball with deep scratches all over his face and arms. As the fire dies down, Gatomon stumbles back with deep cuts covering her arms and chest. As they face off, their wounds begin to close up. Gatomon suddenly doubles over in pain and tears pour from her eyes. Valkyrie looks over to where Cla'Daren and Xavon were fighting and sees Xavon's lifeless body collapse like a marionette. Valkyrie walks over and grabs Gatomon by the throat, lifting her to her feet.
"Feel that? That is the pain of loss. The pain of losing that one person you care most about. That is the pain I have dealt with for over 600 years!"
Valkyrie runs Gatomon through with his sword. She coughs and blood pours from her mouth.

Keiji arrives too late to stop Cla'Daren who now watches Valkyrie put an end to Gatomon. He senses Keiji arrive and turns.
"So, the Archangel of Light has finally appeared. You suprised me. I was thinking that Vulcon would be the first to show her true self. I never expected someone so young to progress so far, so quickly."
"You will not live past today, I guarantee you that."
"Not much for conversation are we? But you are right, I will not live past today. As the Archangel of Death I know when everyone's time is, including mine. It is a truth that has both driven and perplexed me since the day I first found out. Knowing I would live till today has allowed me to make some otherwise life threatening choices. It's how I knew I would survive my fight with Rinous, how I knew Xavon wouldn't kill me. But the time is now. My work is done."
Cla'Daren tosses his sword on the ground in front of Keiji. He then closes his eyes and extends his arms out to either side. In his mind he counts down the seconds.
"I only wish I knew how everything ends."
"Same as all things end," a familar voice says, "with pain, loss, and forgiveness."
Cla'Daren opens his eyes to see Blizzard standing in front of him. Shocked, he takes a step back.
"You had this planned from the beginning, didn't you? Yes, I can see it all very clearly now."
An excruciating pain shoots through him and he looks down to see the end of his sword sticking out of his chest. He slowly turns to see Keiji backing away from him.
"Forgiveness..." Cla'Daren closes his eyes then stumbles to the ground where he breathes his last.
Blizzard turns to Keiji, "It's time."

[Valkyrie]

Valkyrie pulls his sword out of Gatomon's chest and throws her to the ground.
"Where is your goddess now? Is she still watching over you?"
He reaches down and snatches the green amulet from around her neck. The chain snaps and Gatomon makes a feeble attempt to take it back.
"Apparantly she isn't watching over you. How does it feel, knowing that your precious goddess is going to let you die?!"
Valkyrie stabs Gatomon straight through the heart as he draws his sword back she slumps forward, lifeless. As he surveys the rest of the battle he sees the forces of Bast and Yehova are in full retreat. With their two leaders dead, they know they have no chance of winning. As he looks around he realizes that Alucard, Marcus, and Cla'Daren are all dead.
"Is this what you wanted, Valkyrie?" Mamoru asks. "Your enemies dead at the cost of your friends' lives?"
Valkyrie turns to Mamoru.
"This fight is not over. Not until I have my revenge."
"Against who?"
"Bast of course. She let her die! It's her fault. I will not let her meddling continue."
"Is that what you think happened?"
Valkyrie turns to see Bast standing next to the fallen Gatomon.
"Do you truly think I wanted anyone to die?"
"Are you telling me otherwise?"
"I wept for both you and her years after that incident. Hoping each day you would realize the truth and return."
"The truth?!" Valkyrie barks. "The truth is, she didnt have to die! The truth is you hid yourself from her, prevented her from being healed. YOU KILLED HER!"
"You are right, she didn't have to die. But if she hadnt things would be very different right now. You would be lying slain there instead of Gatomon and someone else would be where you are."
Valkyrie turns to see Gaia standing beside Mamoru.
"How is that any worse than this?"
"Because the person standing where you are wouldnt have the same background, wouldn't have ties to the Temple of Bast and wouldnt have hesitated to kill either of us."
"Are you saying Bast let Sarah die so that I would be here instead of him?!"
"No," Gaia says, visibly hurting. "I am saying, 'I let Sarah die.'"
Valkyrie lowers his sword, a look of shock and anger spreading across his face.
"All these years of fighting and hating Bast, and now you tell me it was actually your fault?! What right do you have to play with people's lives like that?! How can you sacrifice so many innocent people just to position one person where you want them?! This is exactly why I'm fighting this war! To end the incessant meddling of the gods! Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill both of you right now?!"
"Because we are the only ones who can give you what you want. Even with all the power you have, you can't get back what you've lost."
"You expect me to believe that you can give me back my life and my love?"
"I never wanted you to go. Gaia promised that if I did what she asked that I would have the chance to get it all back. To get you back. What you've done to me over the years is nothing compared to what i've done to you. I can only hope that by restoring your life which I have kept safe and returning your love which only you could keep safe, that you would forgive us both."
"You must be scared of me to offer me all of this."
"We're never scared, only concerned. Which will you choose? Revenge against those that wronged you, or your life restored to you?"
"Too bad you're 600 years too late in offering to restore my life. Everyone that meant anything to me has died. My family, my friends, even Gatomon is dead now. No one is still alive that even knew me back then. What do I have to gain by getting my life back now?"
"Your name, your status, you no longer have to pretend to be something you're not. You must know by now that when gods meddle in someone's life its for the greater good. Take Mamoru for example. Without a god's influence he would have stayed at Section-N and become an assassin. Instead he suffered and became greater than all others, save one. You said it yourself. You and him are not so different. Both of you suffered to become greater than what you would have been. Mamoru became archknight, married Munch-Munch, and has a beautiful daughter. You have become stronger than you ever thought possible, but there is still more waiting for you if let it."
Valkyrie turns away from the gods and looks to where Blizzard stands with Keiji. The fighting had stopped and the remaining soldiers search through the fallen for signs of life. Valkyrie drops his sword which clangs to the ground.
"My entire life i've been fighting to stop the meddling gods only to find myself playing right into their plan. Was any of this worth it?"
"It's always worth it." a hauntingly familar voice behind him says.
Valkyrie turns to see the battlefield fade away into white nothingness. An image of Sarah appears before him.
"This can't be real." Valkyrie says.
"It's as real as you want it to be," Sarah says walking forward. "Isn't this what you've wanted? To have me back in your life? I'm sorry things turned out like they did but some fates can't be avoided. You have a choice in front of you and its your decision. I just pray you choose me."
Sarah takes the last step toward Valkyrie and hugs him. He closes his eyes and returns the hug. The feelings that were lost to him for so many years rush back and he hugs her even tighter.
"I choose this," Valkyrie says.
"I love you, Xannon."
Valkyrie opens his eyes to see the white has been replaced by the battlefield again. Still in his arms is Sarah, his one true love. Bast and Gaia have disappeared leaving Mamoru the only person standing nearby.
"Xannon, huh?" Mamoru asks. "It's a much better sounding name than Valkyrie. So who's the girl?"
Xannon releases Sarah who turns to look at Mamoru.
"This is Sarah Redding," Xannon introduces. "Sarah, this is Mamoru Nakama."
"Pleased to meet you. Can we go to Hirogei now, Xannon? I want to see what's changed."
"Sure, I think we can do that. As long as they dont try to kill me. I'm not very popular these days."
"I wouldn't worry about that," Mamoru corrects. "The people of Hirogei have always loved and welcomed the servants of Bast."
Xannon looks down and sees a Amulet of Bast hanging around his neck. It's eyes glow green and he hears, "Welcome back, Xannon."
Xannon looks back at Mamoru, "What about all this?" he asks, gesturing to the war torn Kleyman Plains.
"Just another great war caused by Kardis. Don't worry, everything will be fine."
Xannon smiles and starts walking with Sarah toward Hirogei.

Mamoru watches them leave then turns back to the plains. Keiji walks up to him.
"Is everything really going to be fine?" she asks.
"Someday."
Keiji sees something in the distance, "What's that? Looks like a fire sprung up. You might want to check it out."
"I suppose its my job as ArchKnight, huh?"
"Something like that."
Mamoru proceeds toward the fire and as he gets closer the fire grows bigger and brighter, however, he feels no heat from the flames. As he finally reaches the fire it reaches nearly twenty feet in the air and ten feet around. He can detect no source of the fire but he starts to make out something or someone in the flames. He edges closer to the fire and finds the flames have no effect on him. Once inside the heart of the fire he starts to make out a person, a katta to be percise, as he can see the tail. She is naked and has bright, firey orange fur. He walks around so he can see her face. Her eyes are closed but the face is very familar.
"Munch-Munch?"
The figure opens its eyes and the flames start to die. As the figure is exposed to open air a firey red and orange dress appears around the figure. Once the flames have died completly she blinks a few times and stares at Mamoru.
"Mamoru?"
"Yes!" Mamoru hugs her and she smiles and returns the hug. "I thought I had lost you."
"You almost did. I had to come back, I had to see you again. She talked to me, Vulcon did. Said that to see you again, I would have accept what I truly was. Not a person with the archangels power, but the archangel herself. Only then could I rise from the ashes."
"I'm glad your back. Let's pick up Miranda and go home."
"I'd love that."

Across the battlefield, Bast stands next to Damean, both of them watching what was going on.
"Things are going to be a lot different now," Damean says.
"True, but one thing will never change: how I feel about you," Bast says smiling. "I kind of like this new look you have now."
"I'd ask you if you wanted to come back to my place, but it kind of sunk into the nothingness of the Divine Plane."
"That's ok, it kind of gave me the creeps anyway."
She kisses him on cheek, smiles mischievously, then vanishes. Damean smiles and vanishes as well.

Gaia appears next to Keiji.
"Do you think they will be ready when the time comes?"
"I think they will do just fine."
"As long as you think so."
"That I do."


the end